#AgraDiaries: Visiting The Majestic Taj Mahal in Agra

India’s most recognised monument, the Taj Mahal is a perfect example of magnificent architecture by the Mughal dynasty. It is said to be built-in the 1600s by the great emperor Shah Jahan as an epitome of love for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal who died from excessive blood loss during childbirth.

The Taj Mahal holds up beautifully on the southern banks of the Yamuna river in the city of Agra, India which is just 230 km from the capital: Delhi. This majestic mausoleum took almost twenty years and around twenty thousand workers to be built and is now one of the seven wonders of the world!

The design of the entrance gate

I was left in awe to see its perfect symmetry and intrinsic designs carved on ivory-white marble. It takes a great eye of detail to build something with this precision. It leaves you in amazement and also with a lot of questions…

..about the actual history of the place and the tools and techniques that existed several centuries back which lead to the creation of this.

This is me trying to take in the beauty of this place

Once you enter the premises, it’s a breath-taking view of the Mughal Charbagh (Persian Garden) with a water channel that leads up to the Taj. It stays in its grand endeavour midst the four minarets around 40 m high which are designed to lean outwards to prevent falling on the mausoleum in case of an earthquake. All standing tall with equal precision.

The spectacular Taj. It’s so beautiful. Managed to get this shot after a whole lotta time.

In stark contrast to the white marble of Taj, are the two red stone buildings. One a mosque and the other a guesthouse both facing the mausoleum on the east and the west side adding up to its beauty.

The guesthouse or durbar facing the Taj

As I got closer to the Taj, it was an overwhelming experience. It’s so grand, it makes you feel small. To think this place existed before the tall skyscrapers, I can only imagine how it must be like. Ah, also the palaces and forts that existed during that era. Whoa! *sudden mind blown moment*

A different perspective to look at it

Upon returning back, I got some postcards to send to my friends from a little market just outside the eastern gate of the premise. I also left with lots of memories and a lesson on architecture to take back.

Also while you’re here, visit the Agra Fort which is merely 1.5 kms away to understand how all of this began.

Things to remember when you visit:

You can choose to wear shoe covers or go barefoot while you enter inside the mausoleum since shoes are not allowed.

Cars and bikes ae not allowed within a radius of 500 m of the premises. You’ll have to park your cars and go by the public transport.

There are three gates – South, East and West to enter the premises. It is preferable to enter through the Eastern gate since it’s closer to all the hotels and a small market where you can get Taj mementoes.

You can buy tickets on premise.

Carry a water bottle with you as it can get hot and humid.

Be prepared to see a lot of tourists inside the premise.

Timings:

It opens from 6am till 5pm every day except for Fridays when it is closed for prayers.

How to Reach:

Situated just 230 km from Delhi, you can either go by air or rails. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go on a road trip through Yamuna expressway which takes around 3 hours to reach from Delhi.

Do you have a question?

Do you have any more questions regarding visiting this place? Ask me and let me make your trip a little easier 🙂

Taj Mahal looks better in your pictures than what I’ve seen online. It looks so beautiful and pure but what makes it so special is the story behind that masterpiece. Thank you for sharing your experience, this is definitely a must-see 🙂

A super read about the Taj Mahal. I always wondered why the minarets slope outwards, what great engineering it is! The Taj is still on my bucket list as I’ve never been to India. Your post encourages me to do something about that!

It’s insane to think that such high level of engineering was thought about centuries ago and to think we have only now advanced in science, technology and infrastructure. I hope you visit India soon, it’s an experience in itself. I’ll be writing more travel post on India in during the next couple of months so stay tuned!

The architecture of the Taj Mahal is so breathtaking! I actually did not know how long it took to build, nearly 20 years and 20 thousand workers wow! I’m loving the close-ups of the designs, the emperor Shah must have had very specific patterns he wanted on the Taj Mahal, each pattern and line although some patterns are different they all go together!

The water channel and the Taj Majal at the end of it just looks amazing – I can’t even imagine seeing the beauty of it in person! Love your photos & it looks like you had an amazing time there!

To think this place existed before the tall skyscrapers – actually I never thought about it before! You are right, that’s so impressive! It’s such a stunning place and I still have it on my bucket list. Love, Iga http://www.igaberry.com

Amazing photos! I loved your dress and also your format is epic! Your tips to remember and inclusion of how to get there is so thoughtful and well-researched. I’m in love with your blog, I’m happy I found it!